ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for discussion Register to chat with like-minded investors on our interactive forums.

GRI Grainger Plc

259.00
5.00 (1.97%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Grainger Plc LSE:GRI London Ordinary Share GB00B04V1276 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  5.00 1.97% 259.00 258.50 260.00 260.00 252.50 252.50 577,573 16:35:16
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Real Estate Investment Trust 106.1M 25.6M 0.0347 74.93 1.92B

Grainger PLC Half year financial results (0061Z)

11/05/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Grainger (LSE:GRI)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Grainger Charts.

TIDMGRI

RNS Number : 0061Z

Grainger PLC

11 May 2023

11 May 2023

Grainger plc

Half year financial results

for the six months ended 31 March 2023

Consistent strong performance and excellent outlook: planned doubling of EPRA earnings over next 4 years

-- Net rental income +12%

-- Dividend per share +10%

-- Like-for-like rental growth +6.8%

-- EPRA NTA robust at 310pps

-- Occupancy 98.5%

-- Low cost of debt fixed for c.6 years

Grainger plc, the UK's largest listed residential landlord and leader in the build-to-rent sector, today announces a continuing strong performance for the six months ended 31 March 2023. Grainger's GBP3.1bn operational portfolio totals c.10,000 homes with a further c.6,000 homes in our GBP1.6bn build to rent investment pipeline.

Helen Gordon, Chief Executive, said:

"We continue to deliver strong consistent performance across the business. For the first half of our financial year, we have delivered an increase in net rental income of +12%, supporting a 10% increase in our dividend. Rental growth momentum has continued to accelerate which has broadly offset yield movements and the net asset value of our portfolio was resilient.

"Our balance sheet is in a strong position with a low cost of debt fixed for six years, enabling us to deliver on our committed investment pipeline with returns protected. These plans will see us deliver a doubling of EPRA earnings over the next four years, with our build to rent projects secured, financing in place, and both construction and debt costs fixed over that period.

"Aligned to wage inflation we achieved a like-for-like rental growth of +6.8%, up from 3.5% this time last year. This has mostly offset valuation yield movements with EPRA NTA broadly stable at 310pps (2% down in the six months since FY22 of 317pps, but +2% up in the twelve months since HY22 of 305p). Strong investor appetite and robust transactional evidence from a number of completed deals in recent months provide us with further confidence in the relative low volatility of our sector.

"We are confident in the outlook for our business. With positive expectations for the occupational market and rental growth, resilience in valuations backed by strong active investor demand, and an institutional-landlord-friendly investment landscape, the outlook for Grainger remains strong as we continue to lead the secto r."

Key highlights

-- 2% growth in Adjusted Earnings(1) to GBP47.1m (HY22: GBP46.3m)

-- 12% growth in Net Rental Income(2) to GBP48.0m (HY22: GBP42.8m)

-- 49% growth in EPRA Earnings to GBP21.9m (HY22: GBP14.7m)

-- EPRA Net Tangible Assets (EPRA NTA) robust at 310pps (FY22: 317pps; HY22: 305pps), reflecting strong ERV growth of 4.1% offsetting c.25bps yield expansion in the period

-- IFRS profit before tax of GBP5.7m reflecting a 1.3% valuation decline (HY22: GBP98.8m, reflected a 2.3% valuation increase)

-- Dividend(3) increased 10% to 2.28p per share (HY22: 2.08pps)

-- 6.8% like-for-like rental growth(4) in H1 across our total portfolio (FY22: 4.7%; HY22: 3.5%)

o 6.9% like-for-like PRS rental growth (FY22: 4.8%; HY22: 3.5%)

-- 8.2% like-for-like PRS rental growth on new lets (FY22: 5.6%; HY22: 4.4%)

-- 6.1% like-for-like PRS rental growth on renewals (FY22: 4.1%; HY22: 2.7%)

o 5.8% like-for-like rental growth in our regulated tenancy portfolio (FY22: 4.6%; HY22: 3.7%)

-- 98.5% occupancy in our PRS portfolio at the end of March (HY22: 98.1%)

-- Sales performance resilient with GBP25.2m profit (HY22: GBP31.6m), reflecting mix, and sales pricing also robust with average sales price within -2.2% of vacant possession value, reflecting continuing strong demand for these attractive properties

-- GBP74m of sales in H1, including the sales of vacant regulated tenancies and GBP44m of asset recycling

-- Remain on track to deliver seven new schemes this calendar year, totalling 1,640 new, purpose-built, energy-efficient, mid-market rental homes

Key financial metrics

 
 Income returns                             HY22        HY23      Change 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Rental growth (like-for-like)              3.5%        6.8%    +322 bps 
 - PRS                                      3.5%        6.9%    +341 bps 
 
      *    New lets                         4.4%        8.2%    +373 bps 
 
      *    Renewals                         2.7%        6.1%    +341 bps 
 - Regulated tenancies (annualised)         3.7%        5.8%    +210 bps 
 Net rental income (Note 5)             GBP42.8m    GBP48.0m        +12% 
 Adjusted earnings (Note 2)             GBP46.3m    GBP47.1m         +2% 
 IFRS profit before tax (Note 2)        GBP98.8m     GBP5.7m       (94)% 
 Earnings per share (diluted, after 
  tax) (Note 9)                            10.2p        0.6p       (94)% 
 Dividend per share (Note 10)              2.08p       2.28p        +10% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Capital returns                            HY22        HY23      Change 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Property Return(5)                   3.8%        0.1%   (366) bps 
 Total Accounting Return (Note 
  3)                                        3.2%      (1.6)%   (483) bps 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                            FY22        HY23      Change 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 EPRA NTA per share (Note 3)                317p        310p        (2)% 
 Net debt                              GBP1,262m   GBP1,394m        +10% 
 Group LTV                                 33.4%       36.1%     +265bps 
 Cost of debt (average)                     3.1%        3.2%       +7bps 
 
 
 Secured and committed pipeline 
 Investment value                            GBP890m 
 Homes                                         3,397 
----------------------------------------  ---------- 
 Secured but not yet committed pipeline 
 Investment value                            GBP541m 
 Homes                                         2,009 
----------------------------------------  ---------- 
 Total secured pipeline 
 Investment value                          GBP1,431m 
 Homes                                         5,406 
----------------------------------------  ---------- 
 

Excellent outlook

We have delivered a strong performance in the period, and this is testament to the Grainger team, who have focused on ensuring that we are delivering high quality homes and service, and a sense of community and belonging, all of which supports our success in leasing, high retention and occupancy levels.

Our committed pipeline of build to rent schemes will deliver a doubling of EPRA earnings within the next four years. The majority of our GBP1.4bn secured pipeline is committed (GBP890m) and under construction, with construction costs fixed and funding in place. This will enable us to convert to a REIT in 2.5 years. Alongside the opportunities with our partnerships, such as Transport for London (TfL), we have good visibility over a solid supply of future build to rent developments.

With positive expectations for the occupational market and rental growth, resilience in valuations backed by strong active investor demand, and an institutional-landlord-friendly investment landscape, the outlook for Grainger remains strong as we continue to lead the secto r.

(1) Refer to Note 2 for IFRS profit before tax and adjusted earnings reconciliation.

(2) Refer to Note 5 for net rental income calculation.

(3) Dividend - The dividend of 2.28p per share (gross) amounting to GBP16.9m will be paid on 3 July 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26 May 2023. Shareholders will again be offered the option to participate in a dividend re-investment plan and the last day for election is 9 June 2023 - refer also to Note 10.

(4) Rental growth is the average increase in rent charged across our portfolio on a like-for-like basis.

(5) Total Property Return (TPR) represents the change in gross asset value, net of capital expenditure incurred, plus net income, expressed as a percentage of gross asset value.

Future reporting dates

-- Capital Markets Day - 27 June 2023

-- Trading Update - September 2023

-- Full year results - 22 November 2023

Half year results presentation

Grainger plc will be holding a presentation of the results at 9:00am (UK time) today, 11 May 2023, which can be accessed via webcast and a telephone dial-in facility (details below), which will be followed by a live Q&A session for sell side analysts and shareholders.

Webcast details:

To view the webcast, please go to the following URL link. Registration is required.

https://webcasting.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcast/6230643961bd9a4d1029096d

The webcast will be available for six months from the date of the presentation.

Conference call details:

Call: +44 (0)330 165 4012

Confirmation Code: 1829192

*Please note that Live Questions can be submitted by analysts and investors via the webcast, but not via the conference call facility.

Presentation material:

A copy of the presentation slides will also be available to download on Grainger's website ( http://corporate.graingerplc.co.uk/ ) from 08:30am (UK time).

For further information, please contact:

Investor relations

Kurt Mueller, Grainger plc: +44 (0) 20 7940 9500

Media

   Ginny Pulbrook / Geoffrey Pelham-Lane, Camarco:                     +44 (0) 20 3757 4992 / 4985 

Forward-looking statements disclaimer

This publication contains certain forward-looking statements. Any statement in this publication that is not a statement of historical fact including, without limitation, those regarding Grainger plc's future financial condition, business, operations, financial performance and other future events or developments involving Grainger, is a forward-looking statement. Such statements may, but not always, be identified by words such as 'expect', 'estimate', 'project', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'should', 'intend', 'plan', 'could', 'probability', 'risk', 'target', 'goal', 'objective', 'may', 'endeavour', 'outlook', 'optimistic', 'prospects' and similar expressions or variations on these expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties as they relate to events which occur in the future and depend on circumstances which may or may not occur and go beyond Grainger's ability to control. Actual outcomes or results may differ materially from the outcomes or results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors which may give rise to such differences include (but are not limited to) changing economic, financial, business, regulatory, legal, political, industry and market trends, house prices, competition, natural disasters, terrorism or other social, political or market conditions.

Grainger's principal risks are described in more detail in its Annual Report and Accounts, set out in the Risk Management report on pages 54-57 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, and there has been no change.

A number of risks faced by the Group are not directly within our control such as the wider economic and political environment.

In line with our risk management approach detailed in our Annual Report and Accounts, the key risks to the business are under regular review by the Board and management, applying Grainger's risk management framework. The war in Ukraine is continuing and inflationary pressures are proving to be persistent. The macro-economic outlook is unclear. The risk analysis undertaken in our Annual Report and Accounts factors in these considerations. The risks to Grainger will continue to be monitored closely.

These risks and other factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the events specified in this publication. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date they are made and Grainger plc does not intend to update on the forward-looking statements contained in this publication.

This publication is for information purposes only and no reliance may be placed upon it. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained in this publication. Past performance of securities in Grainger plc cannot be relied upon as a guide to the future performance of such securities.

This publication does not constitute an offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities of Grainger plc.

Chief Executive's review

Overview - continuing strong performance

Our strategic focus on the mid-market in the UK private rented, build-to-rent sector continues to deliver strong results. We have delivered a 12% increase in net rental income, supported by strong like-for-like rental growth of 6.8%, aligned to wage growth, maintaining healthy affordability levels amongst our customers. EPRA earnings over the period have increased by 49% and we expect them to double with the delivery of our committed pipeline of 3,397 homes. We have a high degree of certainty over this significant growth with the necessary permissions in place, construction costs fixed for the majority of projects, financing in place, and debt costs fixed.

Residential valuations have held up exceptionally well compared to the wider real estate sector, and in our portfolio in particular, supported by strong ERV growth of 4.1%. Our EPRA NTA stands at 310p per share, compared to 305pps a year ago, and 317pps six months ago.

We are increasing our dividend by 10%, reflecting the strong growth in net rental income, in line with our policy to distribute 50% of net rental income (with a one third, two third split between interim and full dividend payments).

Growing rental demand and constrained supply continue to move in our favour, particularly due to our mid-market pricing, energy efficient properties and value-add services to our customers, supporting them through the cost-of-living challenges they face. Our investment focus and cluster strategy in the top regional towns and cities in England and Wales has proven to be the right focus. These markets remain one of the most investment friendly residential rental markets globally with no rent controls, and there is a strong political consensus on the need for more housing supply and investment. The long-term market opportunity in the 5m household UK rental market is significant, as the shift in favour of large-scale, institutional professional landlords accelerates.

Grainger is strongly positioned:

-- Secured growth - Our growth, a doubling of EPRA earnings from FY22, is locked-in, with permissions in place, funding in place and construction costs fixed.

-- Strong balance sheet - LTV below our target range and debt costs fixed in the mid 3%'s for the next six years.

-- Inflation beneficiary - Our net rental income is strongly linked to wage inflation, and therefore benefits from a high inflationary environment.

-- Resilient valuations - On a relative basis valuations remain robust with strong rental growth offsetting yield expansion materially, and strong investor appetite and transactional evidence providing a high degree of confidence in valuations.

-- Strong demand-side characteristics - The demand for our product is growing and will continue to increase. And this demand is economically defensive, growing through cycles. We see a high degree of price inelasticity at our mid-market price point. Our market positioning provides a strong level of occupational demand resilience, with housing at this price point an essential expenditure item for consumers.

-- Healthy customer affordability - Our customers benefit from healthy levels of affordability (c.29% of income spent on rent), well below the recognised affordability ceiling of 33-35% of gross income national average of 33% [1] .

-- Positive regulatory landscape and politically aligned - The need for more, better quality homes is widely acknowledged across all major political parties in Westminster. Grainger, and the build-to-rent sector, are directly addressing this, and benefit from political support. The UK market is one of the most institutional-landlord friendly markets globally, with regulations focused on driving out poor-quality landlords from the market, affecting smaller landlords more acutely, and therefore expected to benefit Grainger and the build-to-rent sector on balance.

-- Vast opportunity set - With only approximately 1.5% of the 5m addressable private rented market represented by institutional, build-to-rent landlords today, the opportunity for increasing our market share is vast, with structural changes working in our favour as the shift toward institutional landlords accelerates.

Trading performance highlights

Exceptional leasing performance

We continue to achieve record levels of occupancy in our PRS portfolio of 98.5% and continue to drive like-for-like rental growth at 6.8%.

Good pipeline progress

Delivery of our pipeline continues at pace. We are on track to deliver seven schemes in the second half of this year, totalling 1,640 new homes.

Our pipeline of committed build-to-rent schemes will deliver a doubling of EPRA earnings. The majority of our GBP1.4bn secured pipeline is committed (GBP890m) and under construction with construction costs fixed and funding in place.

Our partnership with Transport for London (TfL) is progressing at pace with five planning permissions secured (1,240 homes) within three years of Grainger being selected by TfL as their partner. The joint venture, Connected Living London, has now acquired the land for four of these five schemes from TfL and enabling works have commenced.

Maintaining sales momentum

We continue to sell down our regulated tenancy portfolio, both on vacancy and tenanted as investment sales through our asset recycling programme. This provides us with a continual source of funding for our build-to-rent investment pipeline.

In contrast to some wider market data and commentary, we continue to see strong pricing in our portfolio, having achieved average sales prices within -2.2% of vacant possession value.

A growth business in a resilient sector

Our GBP890m committed pipeline will deliver a doubling in EPRA earnings.

We are well positioned to navigate the current macro environment with a strong balance sheet. Our debt costs are fixed in the mid 3%'s for the next six years, and this includes projected drawn facilities which we have aligned with our capital expenditure plans. We have built in a significant amount of headroom to our financial covenants within our plans to enable us to continue on our growth trajectory.

The UK private rented sector and build-to-rent sector in particular are highly resilient through cycles. Rental growth is underpinned by inflation, specifically wage inflation, offsetting the downward pressure on valuations from a higher interest rate environment. Demand for renting equally remains resilient. It demonstrates defensive qualities, as more people choose to rent for longer as borrowing costs rise and economic uncertainty remains. Rental demand is expected to continue to grow over the long term as modern living patterns change with more fluid labour markets. More and more people are choosing to rent for longer as it provides the flexibility they require, offers good value, and a place to put down roots and call home, something Grainger and the wider build-to-rent sector is committed to.

The opportunity in front of us is large. There are 5m households in the UK renting privately, representing 25% of all households. Yet only c.1.5% of these households live in purpose built, build-to-rent properties owned by large scale institutional landlords such as ourselves. The vast majority of the rental market is made up of small individual private landlords whose overall exit from the market is accelerating. This presents a significant opportunity for Grainger to increase market share.

The investment case for the UK build-to-rent sector is underpinned by the severe housing shortage which characterises the UK housing market. Centre for Cities, a think tank, estimate that the UK requires 4.3m additional homes to plug the current gap, while official figures show supply of new homes continuing to reduce.

A leading operating platform, delivering value

Our technology-enabled platform continues to deliver value, both to our customers and shareholders with high satisfaction levels, high occupancy, high retention and strong rental growth. Our deep and growing data insight enables us to continue to improve our value proposition and optimise performance. Our PRS portfolio is mainly modern, energy-efficient homes, with 89% already achieving top energy ratings of A-C, and we are making good progress on our net zero carbon ambitions. And as we achieve critical mass in our target markets through our cluster strategy, we continue to build our consumer-facing brand to further drive customer acquisition and retention.

Excellent outlook

We have delivered a strong performance in the period, and this is testament to the Grainger team, who have focused on ensuring that we are delivering high quality homes and service, and a sense of community and belonging, all of which supports our success in leasing, high retention and occupancy levels.

Our committed pipeline of build to rent schemes will deliver a doubling of EPRA earnings within the next four years. The majority of our GBP1.4bn secured pipeline is committed (GBP890m) and under construction, with construction costs fixed and funding in place. This will enable us to convert to a REIT in 2.5 years. Alongside the opportunities with our partnerships, such as Transport for London (TfL), we have good visibility over a solid supply of future build to rent developments.

With positive expectations for the occupational market and rental growth, resilience in valuations backed by strong active investor demand, and an institutional-landlord-friendly investment landscape, the outlook for Grainger remains strong as we continue to lead the secto r.

Helen Gordon

Chief Executive

11 May 2023

Financial review

Despite the challenging macro environment arising in the Autumn, the first six months of FY23 has seen a continuation in the strong performance of our business. Our operational performance has been excellent with record occupancy levels at 98.5% and strong like for like rental growth at 6.8% demonstrating the strong demand for our homes and value of our operating platform. Our strong overall lettings performance combined with the continued lease up of our pipeline schemes has driven significant growth in net rental income at 12%. With a strong pipeline of schemes to deliver in H2 we expect to see strong growth continue as these schemes lease up.

Valuations proved resilient in the period with strong ERV growth of 4.1% offsetting c.25bps of outward yield movement, underlining the strong fundamentals and low volatility of our sector. Our residential sales have also proved resilient with GBP74.6m of sales in H1 generating GBP25.2m of sales profit and within -2.2% of previous vacant possession valuations.

Our balance sheet remains strong with a low LTV and strong liquidity. Our secured pipeline is fully funded with very high levels of hedging in line with our policy giving us minimal exposure to interest rate rises for six years. Given the strong performance and positive outlook, we are increasing our interim dividend by 10% to 2.28p on a per share basis (HY22: 2.08p) in line with our policy to distribute 50% of annual net rental income as a dividend, with a one-third payment at the interim stage.

Our portfolio has proved to be highly resilient through both the pandemic and the period of economic uncertainty in the Autumn, rental growth has closely tracked wage inflation and supported robust valuations. While some challenges for consumers remain, most notably with the continued cost-of-living squeeze, our mid-market offering and customer demographic have demonstrated, and continue to ensure, our resilience.

Highlights

 
 Income returns                            HY22       HY23     Change 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Rental growth (like-for-like)             3.5%       6.8%   +322 bps 
 - PRS                                     3.5%       6.9%   +341 bps 
 - Regulated tenancies (annualised)        3.7%       5.8%   +210 bps 
 Net rental income (Note 5)            GBP42.8m   GBP48.0m       +12% 
 Adjusted earnings (Note 2)            GBP46.3m   GBP47.1m        +2% 
 EPRA earnings (Note 3)                GBP14.7m   GBP21.9m       +49% 
 IFRS profit before tax (Note 2)       GBP98.8m   GBP 5.7m      (94)% 
 Earnings per share (diluted, after 
  tax) (Note 9)                           10.2p       0.6p      (94)% 
 Dividend per share (Note 10)             2.08p      2.28p       +10% 
------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Capital returns                     HY22        HY23      Change 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Property Return               3.8%        0.1%   (366) bps 
 Total Accounting Return             3.2%      (1.6)%   (483) bps 
                                     FY22        HY23      Change 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 EPRA NTA per share (Note 3)         317p        310p        (2)% 
 Net debt (Note 19)             GBP1,262m   GBP1,394m        +10% 
 Group LTV (Note 19)                33.4%       36.1%    +265 bps 
 Cost of debt (average)              3.1%        3.2%      +7 bps 
 Reversionary surplus             GBP248m     GBP217m       (13)% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Income statement

Adjusted earnings increased by 2 % to GBP 47.1 m (HY22: GBP 46.3 m) with the strong GBP 5.2 m increase in net rental income the primary driver offset by lower profits from sales. As our pipeline continues to deliver over the coming years, we will continue to see significant growth in net rents. The operating leverage inherent in our business model, and the margin improvement this delivers, results in an even larger growth in earnings.

 
 Income statement (GBPm)            HY22     HY23   Change 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 Net rental income                  42.8     48.0     +12% 
 Profit from sales                  31.6     25.2    (20)% 
 Mortgage income (CHARM) (Note 
  15)                                2.4      2.4        - 
 Management fees                     2.8      2.8        - 
 Overheads                        (14.6)   (15.4)      +5% 
 Pre-contract costs                (0.3)    (0.7)    +133% 
 Net finance costs                (17.0)   (15.2)    (11)% 
 Joint ventures and associates     (1.4)        -   (100)% 
                                 -------  -------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings                  46.3     47.1      +2% 
 Valuation movements                61.7   (41.4)   (167)% 
 Other adjustments(1)              (9.2)        -   (100)% 
                                 -------  -------  ------- 
 IFRS profit before tax             98.8      5.7    (94)% 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

(1) HY22 other adjustments comprise fire safety remedial works provisions in respect of legacy assets.

Rental income

Net rental income increased by 12% to GBP48.0m (HY22: GBP42.8m). This increase of GBP5.2m was driven by continued strong demand resulting in high levels of occupancy at 98.5%, continued strong lettings of new launches and strong rental growth.

Like for like rental growth across the portfolio was +6.8%, with rental growth in our PRS portfolio continuing to accelerate at +6.9% (HY22: +3.5%), with rental growth on renewals of +6.1% and +8.2% on new lets. Our regulated tenancy portfolio delivered 5.8% rental growth. Gross to net for the period on our stabilised portfolio is 25.5% consistent with previous periods.

 
                            GBPm 
------------------------  ------ 
 HY22 Net rental income     42.8 
 Disposals                 (1.2) 
 PRS investment              2.5 
 Rental growth(1)            3.9 
 HY23 Net rental income     48.0 
                          ------ 
 YoY growth                 +12% 
------------------------  ------ 
 

(1) Includes GBP0.1m from an increase in occupancy in the period.

Sales

Our sales performance continued to be resilient throughout the period with overall sales revenue of GBP74.6m in line the prior period (HY22: GBP75.3m). Sales profits were lower at GBP25.2m (HY22: GBP31.6m) due to the mix of asset recycling and sales of vacant regulated tenancies.

Residential sales

Vacant property sales in the period were down 18%, delivering GBP13.2m of profit (HY22: GBP16.0m) due to the natural run off of the regulated properties resulting in a smaller portfolio along with the timing of sales. The profit margins were broadly flat year on year reflecting a similar sales mix to prior year. Vacancy rates were up to 8.5% (HY22: 6.5%), and pricing achieved remained robust with sales values 2.2% below previous vacant possession values.

Sales of tenanted and other properties delivered GBP8.5m of profit (HY22: GBP15.6m) from GBP29.1m of revenue (HY22: GBP36.3m) given higher levels of PRS recycling which have much lower margins. The development profits in the period were a result of exiting our remaining interests at Seven Sisters.

We have good visibility on our sales pipeline for the second half and we expect total sales revenue to be broadly in line with FY22 for the full year.

Sales

 
                                   HY22                       HY23 
                        -------------------------  ------------------------- 
                                 Revenue   Profit           Revenue   Profit 
                        ------                     ------ 
                         Units                      Units 
                          sold      GBPm     GBPm    sold      GBPm     GBPm 
----------------------  ------  --------  -------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Residential sales 
  on vacancy                64      37.2     16.0      57      30.0     13.2 
 Tenanted and other 
  sales                    123      36.3     15.6     165      29.1      8.5 
                        ------  --------  -------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Residential sales 
  total                    187      73.5     31.6     222      59.1     21.7 
 Development activity                1.8      0.0              15.5      3.5 
----------------------  ------  --------  -------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Overall sales             187      75.3     31.6     222      74.6     25.2 
----------------------  ------  --------  -------  ------  --------  ------- 
 

Overheads

Overheads increased by 5% in the period to GBP15.4m (HY22: GBP14.6m) reflecting wage growth across the business, investment in our platform and supporting the growth of our pipeline.

Balance sheet

We are committed to delivering our growth strategy from a position of real financial strength and our balance sheet remains in great shape. Our LTV is 36.1% (FY22: 33.4%) and liquidity is strong with cash and available facilities of GBP527m. Our committed pipeline is already fully funded and our debt costs are almost fully hedged meaning we have minimal exposure to potential interest rate rises.

 
Market value balance sheet (GBPm)                  FY22           HY23 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------------- 
 
Residential - PRS                                 2,189          2,227 
Residential - regulated tenancies                   812            767 
Residential - mortgages (CHARM)                      69             68 
Forward Funded - PRS work in progress               466            539 
Development work in progress                        182            172 
Investment in JVs/associates                         55             89 
                                                -------  ------------- 
Total investments                                 3,773          3,862 
 
Net debt                                        (1,262)        (1,394) 
Other liabilities                                  (41)           (59) 
                                                -------  ------------- 
EPRA NRV                                          2,470          2,409 
 
Deferred and contingent tax - trading assets      (111)          (104) 
EPRA NTA                                          2,359          2,305 
Deferred and contingent tax - investment 
 assets                                           (116)          (108) 
Fair value of fixed rate debt and derivatives       240            113 
                                                         ------------- 
EPRA NDV                                          2,483          2,310 
----------------------------------------------  -------  ------------- 
 
EPRA net asset values (pence per share) 
EPRA NRV pence per share                            333            324 
EPRA NTA pence per share                            317            310 
EPRA NDV pence per share                            334            311 
 
 
 

EPRA NTA remained robust, decreasing by 2% from the year end to 310p per share (FY22: 317p per share, HY22: 305p per share) with a 6p reduction coming from valuation decreases being the main driver alongside a 6p contribution from adjusted earnings. This was offset by the payment of our final dividend (4)p and disposal of trading assets (3)p. EPRA NTA excludes the value of our reversionary surplus of GBP217m or 29p per share (FY22: GBP248m).

 
 EPRA NTA movement 
---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                GBPm   Pence per share 
                                              ------  ---------------- 
 EPRA NTA at 30 September 2022                 2,359               317 
 Adjusted earnings                                47                +6 
 Valuations (trading & investment property)     (47)               (6) 
 Disposals (trading assets)                     (22)               (3) 
 Tax (current, deferred and contingent)          (3)                 - 
 Dividends                                      (29)               (4) 
 EPRA NTA at 31 March 2023                     2,305               310 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ---------------- 
 

Property portfolio valuations

The GBP3.7bn market value of our overall portfolio proved resilient with a fall of only 1.3% (HY22: +2.3%) over the six-month period. Our PRS portfolio saw strong ERV growth of 4.1% which offset c.25bps outward yield movement in the period. Our regional PRS portfolio outperformed London marginally with c.20bps outward yield movement compared with c.30bps in London. The regulated portfolio again proved its resilience at GBP767m and 0.5% fall in the six month period.

 
Portfolio             Region         Capital   Total Valuation movement 
                                      Value 
                                     (GBPm)      GBPm           % 
--------------------  ------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
PRS                   London & SE    1,231       (32)         (2.6)% 
 Regions                              996        (5)          (0.4)% 
 ---------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
 PRS Total                           2,227       (37)         (1.6)% 
Regulated Tenancies   London & SE     648        (5)          (0.7)% 
 Regions                              119         1            0.3% 
 ---------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
 Regulated 
  Total                               767        (4)          (0.5)% 
 ---------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
Operational Portfolio                2,994       (41)         (1.4)% 
----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
 Development                          711        (6)          (0.8)% 
 ---------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
Total Portfolio(1)                   3,705       (47)         (1.3)% 
----------------------------------  --------  ----------  -------------- 
 

(1) Excluding CHARM and Vesta.

Financing and capital structure

Net debt increased to GBP1,394m (FY22: GBP1,262m) in line with plan as we invested GBP187m into our pipeline. This was partly offset by GBP74m of sales split between GBP30m of vacant sales and asset recycling of GBP44m. From FY24 we expect to see committed pipeline investment largely offset by operating cashflows resulting in broadly stable net debt.

Our policy of having a fully funded secured pipeline ensures that our headroom of GBP527m covers our committed pipeline capex of GBP343m.

We have an average debt maturity of 6 years including extension options and refinancing risk is minimal with no significant maturities until 2027. Our average cost of debt remained relatively flat compared to the full year at 3.2% (FY22: 3.1%).

 
                                   FY22        HY23 
---------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net debt                     GBP1,262m   GBP1,394m 
 Loan to value                    33.4%       36.1% 
 Cost of debt (average)            3.1%        3.2% 
 Headroom                       GBP663m     GBP527m 
 Weighted average facility 
  maturity                          6.5         6.0 
 Hedging                            97%         96% 
---------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Summary and outlook

We have continued to deliver a very strong operational performance in the half having seen momentum strengthen further in the period. Valuations proved resilient and demonstrated the strong demand for and low volatility of our asset class and our balance sheet is strong giving us the foundation and flexibility to deliver our strategy.

We are on track to deliver a transformation to our net rents and earnings as our pipeline delivers , supported by our leading operating platform, and this will enable us to convert to a REIT in 2.5 years. Despite the uncertain macro economic backdrop we are confident our business will continue to deliver strong growth as the strong demand for our quality homes at mid-market prices endures.

Rob Hudson

Chief Financial Officer

11 May 2023

Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the half-yearly financial report

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted for use in the UK ;

-- the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by:

(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

Helen Gordon Rob Hudson

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

11 May 2023 11 May 2023

Independent Review Report to Grainger plc

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2023 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related explanatory notes.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 March 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted for use in the UK and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK FCA").

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity ("ISRE (UK) 2410") issued for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting, or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that have not been appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern, and the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the group will continue in operation.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.

As disclosed in Note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards.

The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted for use in the UK.

In preparing the condensed set of financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. Our conclusion, including our conclusions relating to going concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report.

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the company in meeting the requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Richard Kelly

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E145GL

11 May 2023

Consolidated income statement

 
                                                             Unaudited 
                                                          2023     2022 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March               Notes      GBPm     GBPm 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Group revenue                                     4     110.5    126.6 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Net rental income                                 5      48.0     42.8 
 Profit on disposal of trading property            6      21.5     31.0 
 Profit on disposal of investment property         7       4.0      0.6 
 Income from financial interest in property 
  assets                                          15       1.5      3.4 
 Fees and other income                             8       2.8      2.8 
 Administrative expenses                                (15.4)   (14.6) 
 Other expenses                                          (0.7)    (9.5) 
 Goodwill impairment                                     (0.1)        - 
 (Impairment)/reversal of impairment of 
  inventories to net realisable value             12     (0.5)      1.2 
 Operating profit                                         61.1     57.7 
 Net valuation (loss)/gains on investment 
  property                                        11    (40.2)     59.3 
 Finance costs                                          (16.0)   (17.0) 
 Finance income                                            0.8        - 
 Share of profit of associates after tax          13       0.1      0.4 
 Share of loss of joint ventures after tax        14     (0.1)    (1.6) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Profit before tax                                 2       5.7     98.8 
 Tax charge for the period                        20     (1.0)   (23.2) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Profit for the period attributable to 
  the owners of the Company                                4.7     75.6 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 Basic earnings per share                          9      0.6p    10.2p 
 Diluted earnings per share                        9      0.6p    10.2p 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------  ------- 
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                                                                            Unaudited 
                                                                                                        2023      2022 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March                                                           Notes        GBPm      GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Profit for the period                                                                         2         4.7      75.6 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Items that will not be transferred to the consolidated income statement: 
 Actuarial (loss)/gain on BPT Limited defined benefit pension scheme                          21       (1.1)       1.6 
 Items that may be or are reclassified to the consolidated income statement: 
 Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges                                                            (25.7)       9.9 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive income and expense for the period before tax                                     (26.8)      11.5 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income: 
 Tax relating to items that will not be transferred to the consolidated income statement      20         0.3     (0.4) 
 Tax relating to items that may be or are reclassified to the consolidated income 
  statement                                                                                   20         6.4     (2.5) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------- 
 Total tax relating to components of other comprehensive income                                          6.7     (2.9) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Other comprehensive income and expense for the period after tax                                      (20.1)       8.6 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive income and expense for the period attributable to the owners of the 
  Company                                                                                             (15.4)      84.2 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated statement of financial position

 
                                                             Unaudited   Audited 
                                                                         30 Sept 
                                                         31 March 2023      2022 
 As at                                           Notes            GBPm      GBPm 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Investment property                             11            2,874.7   2,775.9 
 Property, plant and equipment                                     4.0       4.2 
 Investment in associates                        13               16.3      16.7 
 Investment in joint ventures                    14               73.1      38.5 
 Financial interest in property assets           15               67.7      69.1 
 Retirement benefits                             21                9.3       9.8 
 Deferred tax assets                             20                1.1       1.2 
 Intangible assets                                                 0.4       0.5 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
                                                               3,046.6   2,915.9 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories - trading property                  12              440.6     453.8 
 Trade and other receivables                     16               51.7      40.5 
 Derivative financial instruments                19               30.8      56.5 
 Current tax assets                                                3.5      16.5 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                        70.5      95.9 
                                                                 597.1     663.2 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 Total assets                                                  3,643.7   3,579.1 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings           19            1,473.5   1,317.6 
 Trade and other payables                        17                2.1       2.2 
 Provisions for other liabilities and charges    18                1.1       1.1 
 Deferred tax liabilities                        20              121.8     136.9 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
                                                               1,598.5   1,457.8 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings           19                  -      40.0 
 Trade and other payables                        17              112.8     105.9 
 Provisions for other liabilities and charges    18                8.6       8.6 
                                                                 121.4     154.5 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                                             1,719.9   1,612.3 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 NET ASSETS                                                    1,923.8   1,966.8 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 EQUITY 
 Issued share capital                                             37.1      37.1 
 Share premium account                                           817.8     817.6 
 Merger reserve                                                   20.1      20.1 
 Capital redemption reserve                                        0.3       0.3 
 Cash flow hedge reserve                                          12.8      32.1 
 Retained earnings                                             1,035.7   1,059.6 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY                                                  1,923.8   1,966.8 
----------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  -------- 
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

 
                                  Issued                                     Capital   Cash flow 
                                   share              Share     Merger    redemption       hedge    Retained     Total 
                                 capital    premium account    reserve       reserve     reserve    earnings    equity 
                        Notes       GBPm               GBPm       GBPm          GBPm        GBPm        GBPm      GBPm 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance as at 1 
  October 2021                      37.1              817.3       20.1           0.3       (3.3)       867.5   1,739.0 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                    2          -                  -          -             -           -        75.6      75.6 
 Other comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                               -                  -          -             -         7.4         1.2       8.6 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                               -                  -          -             -         7.4        76.8      84.2 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                               -                  -          -             -           -       (3.2)     (3.2) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                               -                  -          -             -           -         0.8       0.8 
 Dividends paid                        -                  -          -             -           -      (24.6)    (24.6) 
 Total transactions 
  with owners 
  recorded directly 
  in equity                            -                  -          -             -           -      (27.0)    (27.0) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance as at 31 
  March 2022                        37.1              817.3       20.1           0.3         4.1       917.3   1,796.2 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                               -                  -          -             -           -       153.8     153.8 
 Other comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                               -                  -          -             -        28.0         3.1      31.1 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                               -                  -          -             -        28.0       156.9     184.9 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Award of SAYE shares                  -                0.3          -             -           -           -       0.3 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                               -                  -          -             -           -       (0.1)     (0.1) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                               -                  -          -             -           -         0.9       0.9 
 Dividends paid                        -                  -          -             -           -      (15.4)    (15.4) 
 Total transactions 
  with owners 
  recorded directly 
  in equity                            -                0.3          -             -           -      (14.6)    (14.3) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance as at 30 
  September 2022                    37.1              817.6       20.1           0.3        32.1     1,059.6   1,966.8 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                    2          -                  -          -             -           -         4.7       4.7 
 Other comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                               -                  -          -             -      (19.3)       (0.8)    (20.1) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  expense                              -                  -          -             -      (19.3)         3.9    (15.4) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Award of SAYE shares                  -                0.2          -             -           -           -       0.2 
 Purchase of own 
  shares                               -                  -          -             -           -       (0.1)     (0.1) 
 Share-based payments 
  charge                   22          -                  -          -             -           -         1.1       1.1 
 Dividends paid            10          -                  -          -             -           -      (28.8)    (28.8) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Total transactions 
  with owners 
  recorded directly 
  in equity                            -                0.2          -             -           -      (27.8)    (27.6) 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 Balance as at 31 
  March 2023                        37.1              817.8       20.1           0.3        12.8     1,035.7   1,923.8 
---------------------  ------  ---------  -----------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 
                                                                           Unaudited 
                                                                     2023        2022 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March                        Notes        GBPm        GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash flow from operating activities 
 Profit for the period                                      2         4.7        75.6 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                        0.5         0.4 
 Goodwill impairment                                                  0.1           - 
 Net valuation loss/(gains) on investment property         11        40.2      (59.3) 
 Net finance costs                                                   15.2        17.0 
                                                          13, 
 Share of loss of associates and joint ventures            14           -         1.2 
 Profit on disposal of investment property                  7       (4.0)       (0.6) 
 Share-based payment charge                                22         1.1         0.8 
 Income from financial interest in property 
  assets                                                   15       (1.5)       (3.4) 
 Tax                                                       20         1.0        23.2 
 Cash generated from operating activities before 
  changes in working capital                                         57.3        54.9 
 (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables                 (9.2)         8.9 
 Increase in trade and other payables                                13.6        12.0 
 Increase in provisions for liabilities and 
  charges                                                               -         8.2 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories                                  13.2      (18.8) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash generated from operating activities                            74.9        65.2 
 Interest paid                                                     (22.6)      (22.5) 
 Tax credit/(paid)                                                    3.7       (2.5) 
 Payments to defined benefit pension scheme                21       (0.3)       (0.2) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating activities                           55.7        40.0 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash flow from investing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of investment property                  7        32.0        10.3 
 Proceeds from financial interest in property 
  assets                                                   15         2.9         4.0 
 Dividends received from associates                        13         0.5           - 
 Investment in joint ventures                              14      (32.9)       (2.9) 
 Loans advanced to joint ventures                          14       (1.8)       (0.2) 
 Acquisition of investment property                        11     (167.0)     (105.9) 
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
  and intangible assets                                             (0.3)       (2.8) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash outflow from investing activities                       (166.6)      (97.5) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash flow from financing activities 
 Award of SAYE shares                                                 0.2           - 
 Purchase of own shares                                             (0.1)       (3.2) 
 Proceeds from new borrowings                                       145.0           - 
 Payment of loan costs                                              (0.8)           - 
 Repayment of borrowings                                           (30.0)           - 
 Dividends paid                                            10      (28.8)      (24.6) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities                 85.5      (27.8) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                         (25.4)      (85.3) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
  of the period                                                      95.9       317.6 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the 
  period                                                             70.5       232.3 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results

1. Accounting policies

   1a         Basis of preparation 

These condensed interim financial statements are unaudited and do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with UK-adopted international accounting standards, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparent Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

The current period financial information presented in this document has been reviewed, not audited.

The accounting policies used are consistent with those contained in the Group's last annual report and accounts for the year ended 30 September 2022 which is available on the Group's website ( www.graingerplc.co.uk ). The Grainger business is not judged to be highly seasonal, therefore comparatives used for the six month period ended 31 March 2023 Consolidated Income Statement are the six month period ended 31 March 2022 Consolidated Income Statement. It is therefore not necessary to disclose the Consolidated Income Statement for the full year ended 30 September 2022 (available in the last annual report).

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 September 2022 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

All property assets are subject to a Directors' valuation at the half year end, supported by an independent external valuation. External valuations at the half year are conducted by the Group's valuers, Allsop LLP and CBRE Limited. The valuation process is consistent with the approach set out on pages 123-124 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, with the exception being the Group's Residential portfolio valued by Allsop LLP. At the half year, Allsop LLP inspected 14.2% of the Residential portfolio, with the movement extrapolated over the non-sampled assets to form 50% of the valuation movement for these portfolios. The remaining 50% is based on a blended rate arrived at by taking Halifax, Nationwide and Acadata indices (16.67% weighting each), applied on a regional IPD basis.

The Group's financial derivatives were valued as at 31 March 2023 in-house by a specialised treasury management system, using a discounted cash flow model and market information. The fair value is derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates obtained by means of the current yield curve appropriate for those instruments.

   1b   Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations 

New standards, amendments and interpretations in the period

The following new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations were effective for the Group in the period and have no material impact on the financial statements:

   --      Reference to the Conceptual Framework (amendments to IFRS 3); 
   --      Onerous Contracts-Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (amendments to IAS 37); 
   --      Annual improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020; 
   --      Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds Before Intended Use (amendments to IAS 16) 

A number of new standards and amendments to standards have been issued but are not yet effective for the Group and have not been early adopted. The application of these new standards and amendments are not expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial statements.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

   1c         Significant judgements and estimates 

Full details of critical accounting estimates are given on pages 122-125 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. This includes detail of the Groups approach to valuation of property assets and the use of external valuers in the process.

The valuations exercise is an extensive process which includes the use of historical experience, estimates and judgements. The Directors are satisfied that the valuations agreed with our external valuers are a reasonable representation of property values in the circumstances known and evidence available at the reporting date. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis with revisions recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

   1d        Group risk factors 

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are set out in the Risk Management report on pages 54-57 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.

A number of risks faced by the Group are not directly within our control such as the wider economic and political environment.

In line with our risk management approach detailed on pages 52-53 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, the key risks to the business are under regular review by the Board and management,

applying Grainger's risk management framework. There have been no significant updates to risk, or failures of control, within the reporting period.

   1e         Going concern assessment 

The Directors are required to make an assessment of the Group's ability to continue to trade as a going concern for the foreseeable future. Given market volatility and the impact on the macro-economic conditions in which the Group is operating, the Directors have placed a particular focus on the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2023.

The Directors have assessed the future funding commitments of the Group and compared these to the level of committed loan facilities and cash resources over the medium term. In making this assessment, consideration has been given to compliance with borrowing covenants along with the uncertainty inherent in future financial forecasts and, where applicable, severe sensitivities have been applied to the key factors affecting financial performance for the Group.

The going concern assessment is based on the first 18 months of the Group's viability model, covering the period from 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2024, and is based on a severe downside scenario, reflecting the following key assumptions:

-- Reducing property valuations by 15% per annum, driven by either yield expansion or house price deflation

-- Reducing PRS occupancy to 80% by 30 September 2023, to 75% by 31 March 2024 and to 70% by 30 September 2024

   --      20% development cost inflation 
   --      Operating cost inflation of 20% per annum 
   --      An increase in SONIA rate of 200bps from 1 October 2023 

-- Credit rating downgrade to increase coupon rates on corporate bonds by 1.25% from 1 April 2023

The Directors consider these assumptions appropriate given the majority of costs are incurred under fixed price contracts, development agreements, or are under the company's control.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

No new financing is assumed in the assessment period, but existing facilities are assumed to remain available subject to the terms of those facilities. Even in this severe downside scenario, the Group has sufficient cash reserves, with the loan-to-value covenant remaining no higher than 55% (facility maximum covenant ranges between 70% - 75%) and interest cover above 3.2x (facility minimum covenant ranges between 1.35x - 1.75x) for the 18 months to September 2024, which covers the required period of at least 12 months from the date of authorisation of the interim financial statements.

Based on these considerations, together with available market information and the Directors' experience of the Group's property portfolio and markets, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2023.

   1f         Forward-looking statement 

Certain statements in this interim announcement are forward-looking. Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.

Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

2. Analysis of profit before tax

The table below details adjusted earnings, which is one of Grainger's key performance indicators. The metric is utilised as a key measure to aid understanding of the performance of the continuing business and excludes valuation movements and other adjustments that are one-off in nature, which do not form part of the normal ongoing revenue or costs of the business and, either individually or in aggregate, are material to the reported Group results.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

 
 For the 6 months 
  ended 
  31 March (unaudited)                         2023                                             2022 
                                                        Other   Adjusted                                 Other   Adjusted 
 GBPm                     Statutory   Valuation   adjustments   earnings   Statutory   Valuation   adjustments   earnings 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Group revenue                110.5           -             -      110.5       126.6           -             -      126.6 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Net rental income             48.0           -             -       48.0        42.8           -             -       42.8 
 Profit on disposal 
  of trading property          21.5       (0.3)             -       21.2        31.0           -             -       31.0 
 Profit on disposal 
  of investment 
  property                      4.0           -             -        4.0         0.6           -             -        0.6 
 Income from financial 
  interest in property 
  assets                        1.5         0.9             -        2.4         3.4       (1.0)             -        2.4 
 Fees and other income          2.8           -             -        2.8         2.8           -             -        2.8 
 Administrative 
  expenses                   (15.4)           -             -     (15.4)      (14.6)           -             -     (14.6) 
 Other expenses               (0.7)           -             -      (0.7)       (9.5)           -           9.2      (0.3) 
 Goodwill impairment          (0.1)         0.1             -          -           -           -             -          - 
 (Impairment)/reversal 
  of impairment of 
  inventories to net 
  realisable value            (0.5)         0.5             -          -         1.2       (1.2)             -          - 
 Operating profit              61.1         1.2             -       62.3        57.7       (2.2)           9.2       64.7 
 Net valuation 
  (loss)/gains 
  on investment 
  property                   (40.2)        40.2             -          -        59.3      (59.3)             -          - 
 Finance costs               (16.0)           -             -     (16.0)      (17.0)           -             -     (17.0) 
 Finance income                 0.8           -             -        0.8           -           -             -          - 
 Share of profit 
  of associates after 
  tax                           0.1           -             -        0.1         0.4       (0.2)             -        0.2 
 Share of loss of 
  joint ventures after 
  tax                         (0.1)           -             -      (0.1)       (1.6)           -             -      (1.6) 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit before tax              5.7        41.4             -       47.1        98.8      (61.7)           9.2       46.3 
 Tax charge for the 
  period                      (1.0)                                           (23.2) 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Profit for the 
  period attributable 
  to the owners of 
  the Company                   4.7                                             75.6 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Basic adjusted 
  earnings per share                                                5.0p                                             5.1p 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 Diluted adjusted 
  earnings per share                                                4.9p                                             5.0p 
-----------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  --------- 
 

Profit before tax in the adjusted columns above of GBP47.1m (2022: GBP46.3m) is the adjusted earnings of the Group. Adjusted earnings per share assumes tax of GBP10.4m (2022: GBP8.8m) in line with the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax of 22.0% (2022: 19.0%), divided by the weighted average number of shares as shown in Note 9. The Group's IFRS statutory earnings per share is also detailed in Note 9.

The classification of amounts as other adjustments is a judgement made by management and is a matter referred to the Audit Committee for approval prior to issuing the financial statements. The GBP9.2m cost within other adjustments in 2022 comprises fire safety remedial works provisions in respect of legacy assets. Any transaction classified as other adjustments do not form part of the Group's ongoing activities and, as such, have been classified as other adjustments.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

3. Segmental Information

IFRS 8, Operating Segments requires operating segments to be identified based upon the Group's internal reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM') so that the CODM can make decisions about resources to be allocated to segments and assess their performance. The Group's CODM are the Executive Directors.

The two significant segments for the Group are PRS and Reversionary. The PRS segment includes stabilised PRS assets as well as PRS under construction due to direct development and forward funding arrangements, both for wholly-owned assets and the Group's interest in joint ventures and associates as relevant. The Reversionary segment includes regulated tenancies, as well as CHARM. The Other segment includes legacy strategic land and development arrangements, along with administrative expenses.

The key operating performance measure of profit or loss used by the CODM is adjusted earnings before tax, valuation and other adjustments.

The principal net asset value (NAV) measure reviewed by the CODM is EPRA NTA which is considered to be the most relevant, and therefore the primary NAV measure for the Group. EPRA NTA reflects the tax that will crystallise in relation to the trading portfolio, whilst excluding the volatility of mark to market movements on fixed rate debt and derivatives which are unlikely to be realised. Other NAV measures include EPRA NRV and EPRA NDV which we report alongside EPRA NTA.

Information relating to the Group's operating segments is set out in the tables below. The tables distinguish between adjusted earnings, valuation movements and other adjustments and should be read in conjunction with Note 2.

March 2023 Income statement (unaudited)

 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March 
  2023 
  GBPm                                        PRS   Reversionary    Other    Total 
----------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Group revenue                               59.0           50.8      0.7    110.5 
 Segment revenue - external 
----------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Net rental income                           40.7            6.9      0.4     48.0 
 Profit on disposal of trading property     (0.4)           21.6        -     21.2 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  property                                    4.1          (0.1)        -      4.0 
 Income from financial interest 
  in property assets                            -            2.4        -      2.4 
 Fees and other income                        2.7              -      0.1      2.8 
 Administrative expenses                        -              -   (15.4)   (15.4) 
 Other expenses                             (0.7)              -        -    (0.7) 
 Net finance costs                         (11.5)          (3.3)    (0.4)   (15.2) 
 Adjusted earnings                           34.9           27.5   (15.3)     47.1 
 Valuation movements                                                        (41.4) 
 Other adjustments                                                               - 
----------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Profit before tax                                                             5.7 
----------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 

A reconciliation from adjusted earnings to EPRA earnings is detailed in the table below, with further details shown in the EPRA performance measures section at the end of this document:

 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March 
  2023 
  GBPm                                 PRS   Reversionary    Other    Total 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings                    34.9           27.5   (15.3)     47.1 
 Profit on disposal of trading 
  property                             0.4         (21.6)        -   (21.2) 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  property                           (4.1)            0.1        -    (4.0) 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 EPRA earnings                        31.2            6.0   (15.3)     21.9 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

March 2022 Income statement (unaudited)

 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March 
  2022 
  GBPm                                  PRS   Reversionary    Other    Total 
----------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Group revenue                         50.1           76.0      0.5    126.6 
 Segment revenue - external 
----------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Net rental income                     34.9            7.7      0.2     42.8 
 Profit on disposal of trading 
  property                                -           31.0        -     31.0 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  property                              0.6              -        -      0.6 
 Income from financial interest 
  in property assets                      -            2.4        -      2.4 
 Fees and other income                  2.5              -      0.3      2.8 
 Administrative expenses                  -              -   (14.6)   (14.6) 
 Other expenses                       (0.3)              -        -    (0.3) 
 Net finance costs                   (12.2)          (4.4)    (0.4)   (17.0) 
 Share of trading loss of joint 
  ventures and associates after 
  tax                                 (1.4)              -        -    (1.4) 
----------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings                     24.1           36.7   (14.5)     46.3 
 Valuation movements                                                    61.7 
 Other adjustments                                                     (9.2) 
----------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Profit before tax                                                      98.8 
----------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 

A reconciliation from adjusted earnings to EPRA earnings is detailed in the table below:

 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March 
  2022 
  GBPm                                 PRS   Reversionary    Other    Total 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 Adjusted earnings                    24.1           36.7   (14.5)     46.3 
 Profit on disposal of trading 
  property                               -         (31.0)        -   (31.0) 
 Profit on disposal of investment 
  property                           (0.6)              -        -    (0.6) 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 EPRA earnings                        23.5            5.7   (14.5)     14.7 
----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------  ------- 
 

Segmental assets

The principal net asset value measures reviewed by the CODM are EPRA NRV, EPRA NTA and EPRA NDV. These measures reflect the current market value of trading property owned by the Group rather than the lower of historical cost and net realisable value. These measures are considered to be a more relevant reflection of the value of the assets owned by the Group.

EPRA NRV is the Group's statutory net assets plus the adjustment required to increase the value of trading stock from its statutory accounts value of the lower of cost and net realisable value to its market value. In addition, the statutory statement of financial position amounts for both deferred tax on property revaluations and derivative financial instruments net of deferred tax, including those in joint ventures and associates, are added back to statutory net assets. Finally, the market value of Grainger plc shares owned by the Group are added back to statutory net assets.

EPRA NTA assumes that entities buy and sell assets, thereby crystallising certain levels of deferred tax liabilities. For the Group, deferred tax in relation to revaluations of its trading portfolio is taken into account by applying the expected rate of tax to the adjustment that increases the value of trading stock from its statutory accounts value of the lower of cost and net realisable value, to its market value. The measure also excludes all intangible assets on the statutory balance sheet, including goodwill.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

EPRA NDV reverses some of the adjustments made between statutory net assets, EPRA NRV and EPRA NTA. All of the adjustments for the value of derivative financial instruments net of deferred tax, including those in joint ventures and associates, are reversed. The adjustment for the deferred tax on investment property revaluations excluded from EPRA NRV and EPRA NTA are also reversed, as is the intangible adjustment in respect of EPRA NTA, except for goodwill which remains excluded. In addition, adjustments are made to net assets to reflect the fair value, net of deferred tax, of the Group's fixed rate debt.

Total Accounting Return of -1.6% is calculated from the closing EPRA NTA of 310.2p per share plus the dividend of 2.28p per share for the half year, divided by the opening EPRA NTA of 317.6p per share.

These measures are set out below by segment along with a reconciliation to the summarised statutory statement of financial position:

March 2023 Segment net assets (unaudited)

 
                                 PRS   Reversionary   Other     Total        Pence 
 GBPm                                                                    per share 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (statutory)                1,716.9          170.9    36.0   1,923.8         259p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NRV)                 1,828.6          537.9    42.3   2,408.8         324p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NTA)                 1,823.7          445.5    35.8   2,305.0         310p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NDV)                 1,716.2          445.5   147.9   2,309.6         311p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 

March 2023 Reconciliation of EPRA NAV measures (unaudited)

 
                                                               Adjustments                     Adjustments 
                                  Adjustments                  to deferred                              to 
                                    to market               and contingent                    derivatives, 
                                       value,        EPRA          tax and                           fixed        EPRA 
                     Statutory       deferred         NRV      intangibles           EPRA        rate debt         NDV 
                       balance        tax and     balance                     NTA balance              and     balance 
 GBPm                    sheet    derivatives       sheet                           sheet      intangibles       sheet 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Investment 
  property             2,874.7              -     2,874.7                -        2,874.7                -     2,874.7 
 Investment 
  in joint 
  ventures 
  and associates          89.4              -        89.4                -           89.4                -        89.4 
 Financial 
  interest 
  in property 
  assets                  67.7              -        67.7                -           67.7                -        67.7 
 Inventories 
  - trading 
  property               440.6          389.8       830.4                -          830.4                -       830.4 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents             70.5              -        70.5                -           70.5                -        70.5 
 Other assets            100.8         (26.0)        74.8            (0.4)           74.4             30.8       105.2 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Total assets          3,643.7          363.8     4,007.5            (0.4)        4,007.1             30.8     4,037.9 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Interest-bearing 
  loans and 
  borrowings         (1,473.5)              -   (1,473.5)                -      (1,473.5)            118.6   (1,354.9) 
 Deferred and 
  contingent 
  tax liabilities      (121.8)          121.2       (0.6)          (103.4)        (104.0)          (144.8)     (248.8) 
 Other liabilities     (124.6)              -     (124.6)                -        (124.6)                -     (124.6) 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Total liabilities   (1,719.9)          121.2   (1,598.7)          (103.4)      (1,702.1)           (26.2)   (1,728.3) 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Net assets            1,923.8          485.0     2,408.8          (103.8)        2,305.0              4.6     2,309.6 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

September 2022 Segment net assets (audited)

 
                                 PRS   Reversionary   Other     Total        Pence 
 GBPm                                                                    per share 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (statutory)                1,711.7          190.7    64.4   1,966.8         265p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NRV)                 1,833.0          584.9    52.7   2,470.6         333p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NTA)                 1,827.6          485.6    45.8   2,359.0         317p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 Total segment net assets 
  (EPRA NDV)                 1,712.0          485.6   285.4   2,483.0         334p 
--------------------------  --------  -------------  ------  --------  ----------- 
 

September 2022 Reconciliation of EPRA NAV measures (audited)

 
                                                                                               Adjustments 
                                  Adjustments                                                           to 
                                    to market                  Adjustments                    derivatives, 
                                       value,                  to deferred                           fixed 
                     Statutory       deferred    EPRA NRV   and contingent           EPRA        rate debt    EPRA NDV 
                       balance        tax and     balance          tax and    NTA balance              and     balance 
 GBPm                    sheet    derivatives       sheet      intangibles          sheet      intangibles       sheet 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Investment 
  property             2,775.9              -     2,775.9                -        2,775.9                -     2,775.9 
 Investment 
  in joint 
  ventures 
  and associates          55.2              -        55.2                -           55.2                -        55.2 
 Financial 
  interest 
  in property 
  assets                  69.1              -        69.1                -           69.1                -        69.1 
 Inventories 
  - trading 
  property               453.8          419.2       873.0                -          873.0                -       873.0 
 Cash and 
  cash equivalents        95.9              -        95.9                -           95.9                -        95.9 
 Other assets            129.2         (51.4)        77.8            (0.5)           77.3             56.5       133.8 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Total assets          3,579.1          367.8     3,946.9            (0.5)        3,946.4             56.5     4,002.9 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Interest-bearing 
  loans and 
  borrowings         (1,357.6)              -   (1,357.6)                -      (1,357.6)            263.0   (1,094.6) 
 Deferred 
  and contingent 
  tax liabilities      (136.9)          136.0       (0.9)          (111.1)        (112.0)          (195.5)     (307.5) 
 Other liabilities     (117.8)              -     (117.8)                -        (117.8)                -     (117.8) 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Total liabilities   (1,612.3)          136.0   (1,476.3)          (111.1)      (1,587.4)             67.5   (1,519.9) 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 Net assets            1,966.8          503.8     2,470.6          (111.6)        2,359.0            124.0     2,483.0 
------------------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

4. Group revenue

 
                                                             Unaudited 
                                                         2023      2022 
                                                         GBPm      GBPm 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Gross rental income (Note 5)                            65.4      59.1 
 Gross proceeds from disposal of trading property 
  (Note 6)                                               42.3      64.7 
 Fees and other income (Note 8)                           2.8       2.8 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                                        110.5     126.6 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

5. Net rental income

 
                                        Unaudited 
                                    2023      2022 
                                    GBPm      GBPm 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Gross rental income                65.4      59.1 
 Property operating expenses      (17.4)    (16.3) 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                    48.0      42.8 
-----------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

6. Profit on disposal of trading property

 
                                                             Unaudited 
                                                         2023      2022 
                                                         GBPm      GBPm 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Gross proceeds from disposal of trading property        42.3      64.7 
 Selling costs                                          (1.2)     (1.8) 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Net proceeds from disposal of trading property          41.1      62.9 
 Carrying value of trading property sold (Note 
  12)                                                  (19.6)    (31.9) 
                                                         21.5      31.0 
--------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

7. Profit on disposal of investment property

 
                                                                Unaudited 
                                                             2023     2022 
                                                             GBPm     GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------- 
 Gross proceeds from disposal of investment property         32.3     10.6 
 Selling costs                                              (0.3)    (0.3) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------- 
 Net proceeds from disposal of investment property           32.0     10.3 
 Carrying value of investment property sold (Note 
  11)                                                      (28.0)    (9.7) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------- 
                                                              4.0      0.6 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------- 
 

8. Fees and other income

 
                                                     Unaudited 
                                                 2023      2022 
                                                 GBPm      GBPm 
------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Property and asset management fee income         1.9       1.7 
 Other sundry income                              0.9       1.1 
------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                                  2.8       2.8 
------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 

Included within other sundry income in the current period is GBP0.9m (2022: GBP1.1m) liquidated and ascertained damages (LADs) recorded to compensate the Group for lost rental income resulting from the delayed completion of construction contracts.

9. Earnings per share

Basic

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the owners of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Group and held both in Trust and as treasury shares to meet its obligations under the Long-Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP') and Deferred Bonus Plan ('DBP'), on which the dividends are being waived.

Diluted

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares in issue by the dilutive effect of ordinary shares that the Company may potentially issue relating to its share option schemes and contingent share awards under the LTIP and DBP, based upon the number of shares that would be issued if 31 March 2023 was the end of the contingency period. Where the effect of the above adjustments is antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

 
                                                                Unaudited 
                                            31 March 2023                      31 March 2022 
                                  ---------------------------------  --------------------------------- 
                                    Profit      Weighted               Profit      Weighted 
                                       for       average   Earnings       for       average   Earnings 
                                       the        number        per       the        number        per 
                                    period     of shares      share    period     of shares      share 
                                      GBPm    (millions)    (pence)      GBPm    (millions)    (pence) 
--------------------------------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 Basic earnings per share 
 Profit attributable to equity 
  holders                              4.7         740.8        0.6      75.6         740.3       10.2 
 Effect of potentially dilutive 
  securities 
 Share options and contingent 
  shares                                 -           3.0          -         -           2.8          - 
--------------------------------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 Diluted earnings per share 
 Profit attributable to equity 
  holders                              4.7         743.8        0.6      75.6         743.1       10.2 
--------------------------------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ------------  --------- 
 

10. Dividends

The Company has announced an interim dividend of 2.28p (March 2022: 2.08p) per share which will return GBP16.9m (March 2022: GBP15.4m) of cash to shareholders. In the six months ended 31 March 2023, the final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2022 which amounted to GBP28.8m has been paid.

11. Investment property

 
                                                    Unaudited    Audited 
                                                     31 March    30 Sept 
                                                         2023       2022 
                                                         GBPm       GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                                      2,775.9    2,179.2 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Acquisitions                                             5.8       14.4 
 Capital expenditure - completed assets                   9.4        9.2 
 Capital expenditure - assets under construction        151.8      265.6 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total additions                                        167.0      289.2 
 Transfer from inventories                                  -      116.5 
 Disposals (Note 7)                                    (28.0)     (19.2) 
 Net valuation (loss)/gains on investment 
  properties                                           (40.2)      129.0 
 Net valuation gains on investment property 
  reclassifications                                         -       81.2 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Closing balance                                      2,874.7    2,775.9 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

During the prior year, four property portfolios were reclassified from trading property to investment property where changes in use had been identified. Trading property with a cost of GBP116.5m and market value of GBP197.7m had been reclassified as investment property, resulting in valuation gains of GBP81.2m on reclassification.

12. Inventories - trading property

 
                                                       Unaudited    Audited 
                                                        31 March    30 Sept 
                                                            2023       2022 
                                                            GBPm       GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                                           453.8      595.2 
 Additions                                                   6.9       58.6 
 Transfer to investment property                               -    (116.5) 
 Disposals (Note 6)                                       (19.6)     (85.0) 
 (Impairment)/reversal of impairment of inventories 
  to net realisable value                                  (0.5)        1.5 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Closing balance                                           440.6      453.8 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

13. Investment in associates

 
                                   Unaudited    Audited 
                                    31 March    30 Sept 
                                        2023       2022 
                                        GBPm       GBPm 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                        16.7       15.5 
 Share of profit for the period          0.1        1.2 
 Dividends received                    (0.5)          - 
 Closing balance                        16.3       16.7 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

The closing balance comprises share of net assets of GBP1.7m (September 2022: GBP2.1m) and net loans due from associates of GBP14.6m (September 2022: GBP14.6m). At the balance sheet date, there is no expectation of any material credit losses on loans due.

As at 31 March 2023, the Group's interest in active associates was as follows:

 
             % of ordinary       Country of     Accounting 
             share capital    incorporation     period end 
                      held 
---------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Vesta LP             20.0               UK   30 September 
---------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

14. Investment in joint ventures

 
                                     Unaudited    Audited 
                                      31 March    30 Sept 
                                          2023       2022 
                                          GBPm       GBPm 
----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                          38.5       29.4 
 Share of loss for the period            (0.1)      (1.7) 
 Further investment(1)                    32.9        6.4 
 Loans advanced to joint ventures          1.8        4.4 
 Closing balance                          73.1       38.5 
----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

(1) Grainger invested GBP32.9m into Connected Living London (BTR) Limited in the period (September 2022: GBP6.4m).

The closing balance comprises share of net assets of GBP46.0m (September 2022: GBP13.2m) and net loans due from joint ventures of GBP27.1m (September 2022: GBP25.3m). At the balance date, there is no expectation of any material credit losses on loans due.

At 31 March 2023, the Group's interest in active joint ventures was as follows:

 
                               % of ordinary 
                               share capital       Country of     Accounting 
                                        held    incorporation     period end 
---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Connected Living London                                        30 September 
  (BTR) Limited                           51               UK 
 Curzon Park Limited                      50               UK       31 March 
 Lewisham Grainger Holdings                                     30 September 
  LLP                                     50               UK 
---------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

15. Financial interest in property assets ('CHARM' portfolio)

 
                                      Unaudited    Audited 
                                       31 March    30 Sept 
                                           2023       2022 
                                           GBPm       GBPm 
-----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                           69.1       71.7 
 Cash received from the instrument        (2.9)      (8.6) 
 Amounts taken to income statement          1.5        6.0 
 Closing balance                           67.7       69.1 
-----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

The CHARM portfolio is a financial interest in equity mortgages held by the Church of England Pensions Board as mortgagee. It is accounted for under IFRS 9 and is measured at fair value through profit and loss.

It is considered to be a Level 3 financial asset as defined by IFRS 13. The financial asset is included in the fair value hierarchy within Note 19.

16. Trade and other receivables

 
                                            Unaudited    Audited 
                                             31 March    30 Sept 
                                                 2023       2022 
                                                 GBPm       GBPm 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Rent and other tenant receivables                4.2        4.7 
 Deduct: Provision for impairment               (1.7)      (1.5) 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Rent and other tenant receivables - net          2.5        3.2 
 Contract assets                                    -        1.9 
 Restricted deposits                             21.9       14.3 
 Other receivables                               24.2       17.1 
 Prepayments                                      3.1        4.0 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Closing balance                                 51.7       40.5 
-----------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 

The Group's assessment of expected credit losses involves estimation given its forward-looking nature. This is not considered to be an area of significant judgement or estimation due to the balance of gross rent and other tenant receivables of GBP4.2m (September 2022: GBP4.7m). Assumptions used in the forward-looking assessment are continually reviewed to take into account likely rent deferrals.

At the balance date, there is no expectation of any material credit losses on contract assets.

Restricted deposits arise from contracts with third parties that place restrictions on use of funds and cannot be accessed. These deposits are held in connection with facility arrangements and are released by the lender on a quarterly basis once covenant compliance has been met.

Other receivables includes GBPnil (September 2022: GBP5.9m) due from land sales, with amounts outstanding at September 2022 now received.

The fair values of trade and other receivables are considered to be equal to their carrying amounts.

17. Trade and other payables

 
                                   Unaudited    Audited 
                                    31 March    30 Sept 
                                        2023       2022 
                                        GBPm       GBPm 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Deposits received                      10.2       10.1 
 Trade payables                         23.8       22.8 
 Lease liabilities                       0.5        0.8 
 Tax and social security costs           0.8        0.7 
 Accruals                               70.2       63.8 
 Deferred income                         7.3        7.7 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
                                       112.8      105.9 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                       2.1        2.2 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
                                         2.1        2.2 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total trade and other payables        114.9      108.1 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Within accruals, GBP50.9m comprises accrued expenditure in respect of ongoing construction activities (September 2022: GBP43.0m).

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

18. Provisions for other liabilities and charges

 
                                                             Unaudited    Audited 
                                                              31 March    30 Sept 
                                                                  2023       2022 
                                                                  GBPm       GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Current provisions for other liabilities and charges 
 Opening balance                                                   8.6        0.2 
 Additions                                                         0.2        8.7 
 Utilisation                                                     (0.2)      (0.3) 
                                                                   8.6        8.6 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Non-current provisions for other liabilities and charges 
 Opening balance                                                   1.1        1.1 
 Utilisation                                                         -          - 
                                                                   1.1        1.1 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Total provisions for other liabilities and charges                9.7        9.7 
----------------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Within current provisions, GBP8.6m (2022: GBP8.6m) has been provided for potential fire safety remediation costs relating to a small number of legacy properties that Grainger historically had an involvement in developing and may require fire safety related remediation works. Where appropriate, the Group is seeking recoveries from contractors and insurers which may reduce the overall liability over time.

19. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and financial risk management

 
                                   Unaudited    Audited 
                                    31 March    30 Sept 
                                        2023       2022 
                                        GBPm       GBPm 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Bank loans - Pounds sterling              -       40.0 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
                                           -       40.0 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Bank loans - Pounds sterling          430.5      275.2 
 Bank loans - Euro                       0.9        0.9 
 Non-bank financial institution        347.4      347.2 
 Corporate bonds                       694.7      694.3 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
                                     1,473.5    1,317.6 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Closing balance                     1,473.5    1,357.6 
--------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

The above analyses of loans and borrowings are net of unamortised loan issue costs and the discount on issuance of the corporate bonds. As at 31 March 2023, unamortised costs totalled GBP13.6m (September 2022: GBP14.4m) and the outstanding discount was GBP2.1m (September 2022: GBP2.2m).

Categories of financial instrument

The Group holds financial instruments such as a financial interest in property assets, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments), derivatives, cash and cash equivalents. For all assets and liabilities excluding interest-bearing loans the book value was the same as the fair value as at 31 March 2023 and as at 30 September 2022.

As at 31 March 2023, the fair value of interest-bearing loans is lower than the book value by GBP118.6m (September 2022: GBP263.0m lower than book value), but there is no requirement under IFRS 9 to adjust the carrying value of loans, all of which are stated at unamortised cost in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

Market risk

The Group is exposed to market risk through interest rates, the availability of credit and house price movements relating to the Tricomm Housing portfolio and the CHARM portfolio. The Group is not significantly exposed to equity price risk or to commodity price risk.

Fair values

IFRS 13 sets out a three-tier hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities valued at fair value. These are as follows:

Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The following table presents the Group's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value:

 
                                                                            Unaudited                Audited 
                                                                          31 March 2023         30 September 2022 
                                                                     ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                                                       Assets   Liabilities   Assets    Liabilities 
                                                                         GBPm          GBPm     GBPm        GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
 Level 3 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
 CHARM                                                                   67.7             -      69.1             - 
 Investment property                                                  2,874.7             -   2,775.9             - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
                                                                      2,942.4             -   2,845.0             - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
 Level 2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
 Interest rate swaps - in cash flow hedge accounting relationships       30.8             -      56.5             - 
                                                                         30.8             -      56.5             - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------------  --------  ------------ 
 

The significant unobservable inputs affecting the carrying value of the CHARM portfolio are house price inflation and discount rates. A reconciliation of movements and amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement are detailed in Note 15.

The investment valuations provided by Allsop LLP and CBRE Limited are based on RIC's Professional Valuation Standards, but include a number of unobservable inputs and other valuation assumptions.

The fair value of swaps and caps were valued in-house by a specialised treasury management system, using a discounted cash flow model and market information. The fair value is derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates obtained by means of the current yield curve appropriate for those instruments. As all significant inputs required to value the swaps and caps are observable, they fall within Level 2.

The reconciliation between opening and closing balances for Level 3 is detailed in the table below:

 
                                      Unaudited    Audited 
                                       31 March    30 Sept 
                                           2023       2022 
 Assets - Level 3                          GBPm       GBPm 
-----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Opening balance                        2,845.0    2,250.9 
 Amounts taken to income statement       (38.7)      216.2 
 Other movements                          136.1      377.9 
-----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 Closing balance                        2,942.4    2,845.0 
-----------------------------------  ----------  --------- 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

20. Tax

The tax charge for the period of GBP1.0m (2022: GBP23.2m) recognised in the consolidated income statement comprises:

 
                                                          Unaudited 
                                                        2023    2022 
                                                        GBPm    GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Current tax 
 Corporation tax on profit                               9.4    10.1 
                                                         9.4    10.1 
 
 Deferred tax 
 Origination and reversal of temporary differences     (8.2)    12.3 
 Adjustments relating to prior periods                 (0.2)     0.8 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
                                                       (8.4)    13.1 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Total tax charge for the period                         1.0    23.2 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 

The Group works in an open and transparent manner and maintains a regular dialogue with HM Revenue & Customs. This approach is consistent with the 'low risk' rating we have been awarded by HM Revenue & Customs and to which the Group is committed.

The Group's taxable results for this period are taxed at the standard rate of 22.0% (September 2022: 19.0%).

In addition to the above, a deferred tax credit of GBP6.7m (2022: charge GBP2.9m) was recognised within other comprehensive income comprising:

 
                                                                    Unaudited 
                                                                  2023    2022 
                                                                  GBPm    GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Remeasurement of BPT Limited defined benefit pension scheme     (0.3)     0.4 
 Fair value movement in cash flow hedges                         (6.4)     2.5 
-------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income                (6.7)     2.9 
-------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 

Deferred tax balances comprise temporary differences attributable to:

 
                                                                                              Audited 
                                                                                              30 Sept 
                                                                   Unaudited 31 March 2023       2022 
                                                                                      GBPm       GBPm 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  --------- 
 Deferred tax assets 
 Short-term temporary differences                                                      1.1        1.2 
                                                                                       1.1        1.2 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  --------- 
 Deferred tax liabilities 
 Trading property uplift to fair value on business combinations                      (6.0)      (6.3) 
 Investment property revaluation                                                   (100.1)    (108.9) 
 Actuarial surplus on BPT Limited pension scheme                                     (0.9)      (1.2) 
 Short-term temporary differences                                                    (9.3)      (8.6) 
 Fair value movement in financial interest in property assets                        (1.2)      (1.2) 
 Fair value movement in derivative financial instruments                             (4.3)     (10.7) 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  --------- 
                                                                                   (121.8)    (136.9) 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  --------- 
 Total deferred tax                                                                (120.7)    (135.7) 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  --------- 
 

Deferred tax has been calculated at a rate of 25.0% (September 2022: 25.0%) in line with the enacted main rate of corporation tax applicable from 1 April 2023.

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

In addition to the tax amounts shown above, contingent tax based on EPRA market value measures, being tax on the difference between the carrying value of trading properties in the consolidated statement of financial position and their market value has not been recognised by the Group. This contingent tax amounts to GBP97.5m, calculated at 25.0% (September 2022: GBP104.8m, calculated at 25.0%) and will be realised as the properties are sold.

21. Retirement benefits

The Group retirement benefit asset decreased by GBP0.5m to GBP9.3m in the six months ended 31 March 2023. This movement has arisen from a GBP1.4m gain on plan assets, as well as GBP0.3m company contributions and GBP0.3m net interest income, offset by losses due to changes in assumptions of GBP2.5m (primarily market observable discount rates and inflationary expectations). The principal actuarial assumptions used to reflect market conditions as at 31 March 2023 are as follows:

 
                                                   Unaudited         Audited 
                                               31 March 2023    30 Sept 2022 
                                                           %               % 
------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 Discount rate                                          4.70            5.00 
 Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation                     3.35            3.80 
 Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation                   2.65            3.00 
 Salary increases                                       3.85            4.30 
 Rate of increase of pensions in payment                5.00            5.00 
 Rate of increase for deferred pensioners               2.65            3.00 
------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 

22. Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans comprising awards under a Long-Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP'), a Deferred Bonus Plan ('DBP'), a Share Incentive Plan ('SIP') and a Save As You Earn Scheme ('SAYE'). The share-based payments charge recognised in the consolidated income statement for the period is GBP1.1m (2022: GBP0.8m).

23. Related party transactions

During the period ended 31 March 2023, the Group transacted with its associates and joint ventures (details of which are set out in Notes 13 and 14). The Group provides a number of services to its associates and joint ventures. These include property and asset management services for which the Group receives fee income. The related party transactions recognised in the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

 
                                                                Unaudited 
                                               31 March 2023                   31 March 2022 
                                                       Period                          Period 
                                           Fees           end              Fees           end 
                                     recognised       balance        recognised       balance 
                                        GBP'000       GBP'000           GBP'000       GBP'000 
----------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Connected Living London 
  (BTR) Limited                             974         1,237               432           497 
 Lewisham Grainger Holdings 
  LLP                                       144           169               159         1,089 
 Vesta Limited Partnership                  416           191               349           304 
----------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                          1,534         1,597               940         1,890 
----------------------------  -----------------  ------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

Notes to the unaudited interim financial results continued

 
                                                 Unaudited                                        Audited 
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------- 
                      31 March 2023     31 March 2023   31 March 2023   31 March 2022    30 Sept 2022   30 Sept 2022 
                           Interest   Period end loan        Interest        Interest   Year end loan       Interest 
                         recognised           balance            rate      recognised         balance           rate 
                            GBP'000              GBPm               %         GBP'000            GBPm              % 
-------------------  --------------  ----------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Curzon Park 
  Limited                         -              18.1             Nil               -            18.1            Nil 
 Lewisham Grainger 
  Holdings LLP                  360               9.0             9.1               -             7.2            6.9 
 Vesta LP                         -              14.6             Nil               -            14.6            Nil 
-------------------  --------------  ----------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
                                360              41.7                               -            39.9 
-------------------  --------------  ----------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------- 
 

EPRA Performance Measures - Unaudited

The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) is the body that represents Europe's listed property companies. The association sets out guidelines and recommendations to facilitate consistency in listed real estate reporting, in turn allowing stakeholders to compare companies on a like-for-like basis. As a member of EPRA, the Group is supportive of EPRA's initiatives and discloses measures in relation to the EPRA Best Practices Recommendations ('EPRA BPR') guidelines. The most recent guidelines, updated in February 2022, have been adopted by the Group.

EPRA Earnings

 
                                                31 March 2023                 31 March 2022 
                                         ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
                                                                Pence                        Pence 
                                          Earnings     Shares     per  Earnings     Shares     per 
                                              GBPm   millions   share      GBPm   millions   share 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------  --------  ---------  ------ 
Earnings per IFRS income statement             5.7      743.8     0.8      98.8      743.1    13.3 
Adjustments to calculate EPRA 
 Earnings, exclude: 
i) Changes in value of investment 
 properties, development properties 
 held for investment and other 
 interests                                    41.1          -     5.5    (60.3)          -   (8.1) 
ii) Profits or losses on disposal 
 of investment properties, development 
 properties held for investment 
 and other interests                         (4.0)          -   (0.5)     (0.6)          -   (0.1) 
iii) Profits or losses on sales 
 of trading properties including 
 impairment charges in respect 
 of trading properties                      (21.0)          -   (2.8)    (32.2)          -   (4.2) 
iv) Tax on profits or losses on 
 disposals                                       -          -       -         -          -       - 
v) Negative goodwill/goodwill 
 impairment                                    0.1          -       -         -          -       - 
vi) Changes in fair value of financial 
 instruments and associated close-out 
 costs                                           -          -       -         -          -       - 
vii) Acquisition costs on share 
 deals and non-controlling joint 
 venture interests                               -          -       -         -          -       - 
viii) Deferred tax in respect 
 of EPRA adjustments                             -          -       -         -          -       - 
ix) Adjustments i) to viii) in 
 respect of joint ventures                       -          -       -     (0.2)          -       - 
x) Non-controlling interests in 
 respect of the above                            -          -       -         -          -       - 
xi) Other adjustments in respect 
 of adjusted earnings                            -          -       -       9.2          -     1.2 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------  --------  ---------  ------ 
EPRA Earnings/Earnings per share              21.9      743.8     3.0      14.7      743.1     2.1 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------  --------  ---------  ------ 
EPRA Earnings per share after 
 tax                                                              2.3                          1.7 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ------  --------  ---------  ------ 
 

EPRA Earnings have been divided by the average number of shares shown in Note 9 to these financial statements to calculate earnings per share. EPRA Earnings per share after tax is calculated using the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax of 22.0% (2022: 19.0%).

EPRA Performance Measures - Unaudited (continued)

EPRA NRV, EPRA NTA and EPRA NDV

 
                                                 31 March 2023              30 Sept 2022 
                                           -------------------------  ------------------------- 
                                              EPRA     EPRA     EPRA     EPRA     EPRA     EPRA 
                                               NRV      NTA      NDV      NRV      NTA      NDV 
                                              GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
IFRS Equity attributable to shareholders   1,923.8  1,923.8  1,923.8  1,966.8  1,966.8  1,966.8 
Include/Exclude: 
i) Hybrid Instruments                            -        -        -        -        -        - 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Diluted NAV                                1,923.8  1,923.8  1,923.8  1,966.8  1,966.8  1,966.8 
Include: 
ii.a) Revaluation of IP (if IAS 
 40 cost option is used)                         -        -        -        -        -        - 
ii.b) Revaluation of IPUC (if IAS 
 40 cost option is used)                         -        -        -        -        -        - 
ii.c) Revaluation of other non-current 
 investments                                   4.8      4.8      4.8      5.1      5.1      5.1 
iii) Revaluation of tenant leases 
 held as finance leases                          -        -        -        -        -        - 
iv) Revaluation of trading properties        395.9    292.5    292.5    425.5    314.4    314.4 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
Diluted NAV at Fair Value                  2,324.5  2,221.1  2,221.1  2,397.4  2,286.3  2,286.3 
Exclude: 
v) Deferred tax in relation to 
 fair value gains of IP                      107.5    107.5        -    115.6    115.6        - 
vi) Fair value of financial instruments     (23.2)   (23.2)        -   (42.4)   (42.4)        - 
vii) Goodwill as a result of deferred 
 tax                                             -        -        -        -        -        - 
viii.a) Goodwill as per the IFRS 
 balance sheet                                   -    (0.4)    (0.4)        -    (0.5)    (0.5) 
viii.b) Intangible as per the IFRS 
 balance sheet                                   -        -        -        -        -        - 
Include: 
ix) Fair value of fixed interest 
 rate debt                                       -        -     88.9        -        -    197.2 
x) Revalue of intangibles to fair 
 value                                           -        -        -        -        -        - 
xi) Real estate transfer tax                     -        -        -        -        -        - 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
NAV                                        2,408.8  2,305.0  2,309.6  2,470.6  2,359.0  2,483.0 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 
Fully diluted number of shares 
 NAV                                         743.0    743.0    743.0    742.9    742.9    742.9 
NAV pence per share                            324      310      311      333      317      334 
-----------------------------------------  -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

EPRA Performance Measures - Unaudited (continued)

EPRA NIY

 
                                                                                                    31 March   30 Sept 
                                                                                                        2023      2022 
                                                                                                        GBPm      GBPm 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 Investment property - wholly-owned                                                                  2,874.7   2,775.9 
 Investment property - share of JVs/Funds                                                               61.3      32.4 
 Trading property (including share of JVs)                                                             830.4     873.0 
 Less: developments                                                                                  (756.8)   (664.8) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Completed property portfolio                                                                        3,009.6   3,016.5 
 Allowance for estimated purchasers' costs                                                             120.7     121.9 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Gross up completed property portfolio valuation                                                B    3,130.3   3,138.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 Annualised cash passing rental income                                                                 132.6     124.8 
 Property outgoings                                                                                   (35.2)    (33.9) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Annualised net rents                                                                           A       97.4      90.9 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 EPRA NIY                                                                                     A/B       3.1%      2.9% 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 Gross up completed property portfolio valuation                                                     3,130.3   3,138.4 
 Adjustments to completed property portfolio in respect of regulated tenancies                       (802.0)   (847.9) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Adjusted gross up completed property portfolio valuation                                       b    2,328.3   2,290.5 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 Annualised net rents                                                                                   97.4      90.9 
 Adjustments to annualised cash passing rental income in respect of newly completed developments 
  and refurbishment activity                                                                             6.3       6.6 
 Adjustments to property outgoings in respect of newly completed developments and refurbishment 
  activity                                                                                             (1.7)     (1.9) 
 Adjustments to annualised cash passing rental income in respect of regulated tenancies               (18.0)    (18.9) 
 Adjustments to property outgoings in respect of regulated tenancies                                     4.9       5.1 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Adjusted annualised net rents                                                                  a       88.9      81.8 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 Adjusted EPRA NIY                                                                            a/b       3.8%      3.6% 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----  ---------  -------- 
 

EPRA Vacancy Rate

 
                                                        31 March   30 Sept 
                                                            2023      2022 
                                                            GBPm      GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------  ----  ---------  -------- 
Estimated rental value of vacant space              A        1.5       2.0 
 Estimated rental value of the whole portfolio      B      102.5      95.7 
-----------------------------------------------        ---------  -------- 
 EPRA Vacancy Rate                                A/B       1.5%      2.1% 
-----------------------------------------------        ---------  -------- 
 

The vacancy rate reflects estimated rental values of the Group's stabilised habitable PRS units as at the reporting date.

EPRA Performance Measures - Unaudited (continued)

EPRA Cost Ratio

 
                                                                                2023    2022 
 For the 6 months ended 31 March                                                GBPm    GBPm 
Administrative expenses                                                         15.4    14.6 
Property operating expenses                                                     17.4    16.3 
Share of joint ventures expenses                                                 0.2     1.4 
Management fees                                                                (1.9)   (1.7) 
Other operating income/recharges intended to cover overhead expenses           (0.9)   (1.1) 
Exclude: 
Investment property depreciation                                                   -       - 
Ground rent costs                                                              (0.1)   (0.1) 
                                                                                      ------ 
Costs (including direct vacancy costs)                                   A      30.1    29.4 
                                                                                      ------ 
Direct vacancy costs                                                           (1.0)   (1.3) 
                                                                                      ------ 
Costs (excluding direct vacancy costs)                                   B      29.1    28.1 
                                                                                      ------ 
Gross rental income                                                             65.4    59.1 
Less: ground rent income                                                       (0.3)   (0.3) 
Add: share of joint ventures (gross rental income less ground rents)             0.4     0.3 
Add: adjustment in respect of profits or losses on sales of properties          25.5    31.6 
                                                                                      ------ 
Gross Rental Income and Trading Profits                                  C      91.0    90.7 
                                                                                      ------ 
Adjusted EPRA Cost Ratio (including direct vacancy costs)                A/C   33.1%   32.4% 
                                                                                      ------ 
Adjusted EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding direct vacancy costs)                B/C   32.0%   31.0% 
                                                                                      ------ 
 

EPRA LTV

 
                                                                         31 March 2023 
GBPm                                              Group  Share of Joint Ventures  Share of Associates  Combined 
Borrowings from Financial Institutions            789.3                        -                    -     789.3 
Bond loans                                        699.9                        -                    -     699.9 
Net payables                                       63.2                      4.4                 14.8      82.4 
Exclude: 
Cash and cash equivalents                        (70.5)                    (5.0)                (0.6)    (76.1) 
Net debt                                     A  1,481.9                    (0.6)                 14.2   1,495.5 
Investment properties at fair value             2,237.2                        -                 15.9   2,253.1 
Investment properties under development           637.5                     45.4                    -     682.9 
Properties held for sale                          830.4                        -                    -     830.4 
Financial assets                                  109.4                        -                    -     109.4 
Total property value                         B  3,814.5                     45.4                 15.9   3,875.8 
EPRA LTV %                                 A/B    38.8%                   (1.3)%                89.3%     38.6% 
 

EPRA Performance Measures - Unaudited (continued)

 
                                                                          30 Sept 2022 
GBPm                                              Group  Share of Joint Ventures   Share of Associates  Combined 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
Borrowings from Financial Institutions            674.2                        -                     -     674.2 
Bond loans                                        700.0                        -                     -     700.0 
Net payables                                       67.6                      6.0                  14.9      88.5 
Exclude: 
Cash and cash equivalents                        (95.4)                    (2.7)                 (1.1)    (99.2) 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
Net debt                                     A  1,346.4                      3.3                  13.8   1,363.5 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
Investment properties at fair value             2,197.7                        -                  15.9   2,213.6 
Investment properties under development           578.2                     16.5                     -     594.7 
Properties held for sale                          873.0                        -                     -     873.0 
Financial assets                                  109.0                        -                     -     109.0 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
Total property value                         B  3,757.9                     16.5                  15.9   3,790.3 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
EPRA LTV %                                 A/B    35.8%                    20.0%                 86.8%     36.0% 
                                                                                  -------------------- 
 

EPRA Capital Expenditure

 
                                                                31 March 2023 
                                                     Investment      Group (excl Joint        Share of Joint 
GBPm                   Trading Properties            Properties              Ventures)              Ventures  Combined 
Acquisitions                            -                   5.8                    5.8                     -       5.8 
Development                           3.6                 144.7                  148.3                  28.7     177.0 
Completed assets                      2.0                   9.4                   11.4                     -      11.4 
Capitalised interest                  1.3                   7.1                    8.4                   0.2       8.6 
Total capital 
 expenditure                          6.9                 167.0                  173.9                  28.9     202.8 
 
 
                                                                 30 Sept 2022 
                                                     Investment      Group (excl Joint        Share of Joint 
GBPm                   Trading Properties            Properties              Ventures)              Ventures  Combined 
Acquisitions                          0.1                  14.4                   14.5                     -      14.5 
Development                          49.5                 253.8                  303.3                   5.4     308.7 
Completed assets                      8.8                   9.2                   18.0                     -      18.0 
Capitalised interest                  0.2                  11.8                   12.0                   0.3      12.3 
Total capital 
 expenditure                         58.6                 289.2                  347.8                   5.7     353.5 
 

[1] English Housing Survey (2021/22)

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

IR URANRONUVAAR

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 11, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

1 Year Grainger Chart

1 Year Grainger Chart

1 Month Grainger Chart

1 Month Grainger Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock